Disclaimer in part 1.
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The sound of the door opening pulled Giles out of his thoughts. They hadn’t allowed him a book to read, so he’d dusted out the old favourites he’d memorized. He had a fancy for Forster, so he revisited ‘A Room With A View’. It reminded him of Jenny, and squirming.
“Hello Ethan. Feeling bored?” He didn’t need to turn around to know who it was.
“Very good. Do you also pull rabbits out of a hat?” No response. Damn. He thought Ripper would have broken by now. Begged him for his help. His friendship. “I heard you had a visitor today. How does it feel? To know the boy’s turned against you?”
“Is there something in particular you wanted?” It would be so easy to throw back a rejoinder. To let Ethan know that his plan hadn’t worked. Not yet. Not yet.
“I’ve just had an interesting conversation with Mrs. Summers. Sorry, Joyce. That’s what she asked me to call her, you know? Anyway, she’s invited me over for dinner. To say thank you for all I’ve done.” He paused, as if musing. “It might be interesting to strike up a romance there. She’s so ripe for it. I could marry her. And then, when the Slayer comes home, I can be her new daddy. Guide her properly along the path of life.”
“I doubt if she’d let you live that long. Once she finds out the truth, I’d hate to be in your shoes.”
“But you won’t be around to find out, will you?” He had one more card to trick. To rile his old friend. “You know. I’m surprised you didn’t make a move in that direction. Much more suited to your disguise. The house-frau. Better than that witch.....”
Giles jumped up in rage. “Don’t you dare mention her. Ever. Do you understand me?”
Ethan opened his mouth to add to the torment. Something, perhaps self-preservation prevented him. “As always, it was fun talking to you. I’ll give your regards to dear old Joycy.” He walked out of the holding area without looking back. If he had, he would have seen the grin emerge on Giles ’ face. Oh, how he wished he could be there tonight. He had a funny feeling that Ethan was about to be served up as the main course.